In Chesapeake, Virginia, divorce follows equitable distribution under Va. Code § 20-107.3, personally amended by Mr. Sris. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 documented case results in Chesapeake with a 100% favorable outcome rate. An Out Of State Divorce Enforcement Lawyer Chesapeake can help enforce or modify out-of-state orders at Chesapeake Circuit Court.
Last verified: April 2026 | Chesapeake General District Court | Va. Code § 20-91 (official Virginia General Assembly)
Virginia is an equitable distribution state, meaning marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50. The court considers 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 (personally amended by Mr. Sris). Separate property — assets acquired before marriage, inheritances, or gifts — is excluded from division. No-fault divorce requires a 6-month separation if no minor children exist with a signed separation agreement, or a 1-year separation if minor children are involved. Fault grounds include adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion for 1 year, and felony conviction with imprisonment for 1 year or more.
Founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to every case. Mr. Sris personally amended Virginia’s equitable distribution statute, a credential no other firm in Chesapeake can claim.
For the complete statutory framework governing divorce in Virginia, review Va. Code § 20-91 (divorce grounds) and § 20-107.3 (equitable distribution) on the Virginia General Assembly website. For court procedures and filing information, visit the Chesapeake General District Court website.
- File a complaint for divorce at Chesapeake Circuit Court, 307 Albemarle Drive, Chesapeake, VA 23322. Filing fee is approximately $86.
- Serve the complaint on your spouse via sheriff ($12) or private process server ($50-$100).
- File a pendente lite motion if you need temporary spousal support, child support, or custody during the case. Hearings typically set within 21-60 days.
- Attend mediation if ordered by the court. Mediation costs $100-$300 per hour per party. Mediation is available but not mandatory in Chesapeake.
- Attend the final hearing with your corroborating witness. The judge will review your property settlement agreement or equitable distribution plan.
- Receive your final decree of divorce. Uncontested cases finalize in 2-4 months; contested cases take 9-18 months.
In Chesapeake, Virginia, divorce carries no criminal penalty, but the financial and custody consequences are significant. Equitable distribution, spousal support, and child support are determined by statute.
| Issue | Legal Standard | Timeline | Cost Range | Key Statute | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncontested Divorce | No-fault; 6-month separation (no minor children) or 1-year separation (with minor children) | 2-4 months | $86 filing fee + $12 service | Va. Code § 20-91 | Requires signed separation agreement |
| Contested Divorce | No-fault or fault grounds (adultery, cruelty, desertion, felony) | 9-18 months | $86 filing fee + attorney fees | Va. Code § 20-91 | May require trial |
| Equitable Distribution | Fair division of marital property under 11 factors | Within divorce case | Varies; business valuation $2,000-$10,000+ | Va. Code § 20-107.3 | Separate property excluded |
| Child Support | Virginia guidelines based on combined gross income | Ongoing | Varies by income | Va. Code § 20-108.1 | Modifiable upon change in circumstances |
| Spousal Support | 13 statutory factors | Ongoing or durational | Varies | Va. Code § 20-107.1 | Modifiable upon change in circumstances |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. The firm has over 120 years of combined attorney experience and has documented 4,739+ case results firm-wide with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. Mr. Sris personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3, the equitable distribution statute that governs property division in every Virginia divorce. This achievement is unique among Virginia family law firms and demonstrates deep statutory knowledge that benefits Chesapeake clients. The firm’s tagline is “Advocacy Without Borders.”
Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and managing attorney, provides secondary oversight on complex family law matters. Mr. Sris is a former prosecutor, founded the firm in 1997, and personally amended Va. Code § 20-107.3. He holds bar admissions in VA, MD, DC, NJ, and NY.
In Chesapeake, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 6 total documented case results across all practice areas with a 100% favorable outcome rate. Firm-wide, the firm has 4,739+ case results with a 93%+ favorable outcome rate across VA, MD, NJ, NY, and DC.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our Richmond Location serves clients at Chesapeake courts (307 Albemarle Drive). The Richmond office is accessible via I-64, I-464, I-664, Route 13, Route 17, and Route 168 (Battlefield Blvd).
Looking for a divorce lawyer near Chesapeake? Our attorneys serve Chesapeake, Deep Creek, Great Bridge, and Greenbrier.
24/7 phone consultations — Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (804)201-9009 — meetings by appointment only.
By appointment only.
How long does a divorce take in Chesapeake, Virginia?
It depends. Uncontested divorce with signed separation agreement: 2-4 months from filing to final decree. Contested divorce: 9-18 months. Complex equitable distribution with business valuation or retirement assets: 12-24 months. Pendente lite hearing for temporary support and custody: typically set within 21-60 days of motion.
How much does a divorce cost in Chesapeake, Virginia?
It depends. Circuit Court filing fee for divorce complaint: approximately $86. Sheriff service of process: approximately $12. Private process server: $50-$100. Guardian ad Litem for custody: typically $500-$2,500+. Mediation: $100-$300/hour per party. Attorney fees vary by case complexity.
Is Virginia a community property state?
No. Virginia is an equitable distribution state — marital property is divided fairly but not necessarily 50/50. The court considers 11 factors under Va. Code § 20-107.3 (personally amended by Mr. Sris). Chesapeake Circuit Court handles all property division. Separate property is excluded.
How is child custody decided in Chesapeake, Virginia?
Custody in Chesapeake is based on the best interests of the child under Va. Code § 20-124.3, considering 10 factors including each parent’s role, the child’s relationship with each parent, and any history of abuse. Chesapeake J&DR Court handles standalone custody matters.
What are the grounds for divorce in Virginia?
No-fault: 6-month separation (no minor children + signed agreement) or 1-year separation. Fault grounds: adultery (no waiting period), cruelty, desertion (1 year), felony conviction (1+ year imprisonment). Filed at Chesapeake Circuit Court.
Can an Out Of State Divorce Enforcement Lawyer Chesapeake help with a foreign divorce decree?
Yes. An Out Of State Divorce Enforcement Lawyer Chesapeake can assist with domesticating and enforcing out-of-state divorce decrees, including child support, spousal support, and custody orders. Chesapeake Circuit Court has jurisdiction to enforce foreign decrees under the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act.
Last verified: April 2026. Information current as of April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for updated guidance.